Page 173 of Now and Forever

My parents wouldn’t approve of him, but I didn’t care. This was my life, and I was going to live it the way I wanted and not according to someone else’s standards.

My mother cleared her throat, almost glaring at me with those big eyes. “Why not?”

Who cares?I wanted to quip back, but instead, I carefully chose my words. “He’s into bikes. It’s his passion.”

“Bikes?” she screeched a little too loudly.

Setting my knife down, I looked in irritation at the woman who had given birth to me. “Yes, motorcycles.”

She ignored my barbed remark before barking out the next question. “And you’re seeing him tonight?”

“We’re going to the movies.”

“With that dress you have on, you’re going to be doing a hell of a lot.” Grandma winked at me.

Thanks, Grams.

They were all grilling me, and I loathed every second of it. What was even more unnerving was how Drew’s eyes were on me, and I could sense his contempt from across the table.

“When can we meet him?” my mother lightly pressured with a calculated smile.

Oh, for fuck’s sake. When would she stop?

“No, Mom. No one’s meeting him.”

“Why ever not?”

Need she ask?

“Because maybe I don’t want him to get a glimpse of how crazy you all make me. Just leave it alone. I’m fine. Cori’s great, and before your imagination gets the best of you, no, he doesn’t have a criminal record! You seriously need to open your eyes. I’m allowed to see and date whomever I want. You guys aren’t getting anything from me. This discussion needs to shut down, or I’m walking out of here.”

“Anyone care for a fruit tart?” Grandma tried to make light of things when everyone fell silent.

I felt it, the waves, but I couldn’t care less what my mother, Jackson, or my grandmother thought of Cori. There was only one opinion that mattered most to me, and he wasn’t at all pleased.

It was stifling, and I was about to have a panic attack.

Heaving slightly, I took hold of my purse before clearing my throat. “I’m sorry, but I have to go. I can’t do this.” Gazing over at my grandmother, I looked at her pleadingly. “I’ll see you tomorrow, I promise, but I can’t be here.” Lastly, my eyes landed on my one and only sibling. “Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Jackson.”

Jackson tried to explain, but I didn’t want to hear it. How could he do that, and right in front of Drew? It had been only two weeks, and everything was still so fresh. I had been trying to hold it together, but if I was prodded and poked, I would completely fall apart, and I didn’t want that to happen. Consequently, I had to leave and avoid all of them. And since I was already meeting up with Cori later, I was sure he wouldn’t mind if I came to his place early.

Besides, I had to decompress and relax after that wounding ordeal. I couldn’t wait until they left Monday morning. They were driving me crazy. I loved Grandma to death, but with Mom by her side, they were both too much to handle.

?

The following day, Jackson planned to bring them over for dinner, and instead of us cooking, Jackson ordered food. And I took it upon myself to make sure we had some sweets to nibble on. What better solution than cupcakes? It had been ages since I had made any. The more I occupied myself, the better. So I did just that, baking the little red velvet cakes from scratch.

As I was pulling the cakes fresh out of the oven, Jackson came in with the food and the biggest smile on his face.

“Sorry about yesterday. I hope I’m already forgiven.”

“You’re an ass.” I scowled at him before shaking my head in dismay. “What you did was messed up, Jacks. I’ll forgive you if you vow to never do it again. That was all colors of fucked up, and it’s not okay.”

“Promise,” he swore, doing the Scout’s honor salute. “I’ve gotta hit the shower. Mom and Grams are on their way, but I already unlocked the door. We’re good, right?”

“Sure, sure,” I muttered, smiling at him. How could I stay mad at Jackson? It was impossible. He was so likable, and I loved him to bits. Regardless, if he ever chose to do that to me again, I wouldn’t hesitate to stab him with my fork.

Reverting my attention back to the cupcakes, I was in the process of icing them when Drew strolled into the kitchen, making me lose my equilibrium for a brief moment. No one had told me that he was coming over. It would have been nice if Jackson had thrown in a warning. Apparently, that was too much to ask.

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